Post by davidhr on Apr 27, 2021 7:31:21 GMT -5
Several items of interest this week – the penultimate Star Academie show, and what Lara will be doing next – a new album!
In the next to last show of the Star Academie 2021, this was the women’s semi-final. During the week, Lara had left a picture on her Instagram account
with the caption, “In rehearsal for the semi-final at Mels with my daughters: Rosalie Queenie and Lunou.... working with my beautiful Marie-Eve Riverin 💝🍎”
The three contestants were as different as they could be: Rosalie, the poet/intellectual of the group; Queenie, the determined, powerful one; and Lunou, the sweet, entertainer. And they lived up to their individual characteristics, as the men had done.
Lara started the proceedings telling the contestants to ‘abandon themselves’ to the public, for they are the ones who will determine their fate, not only here but in their careers. A wise counsel…
Here’s what happened:
Rosalie Ayotte: she was supposed to sing “L’amitie” of Francois Hardy, but she then felt it wasn’t what she needed to do. She then switched to one of her own compositions (which certainly better represents who she is as a person in the arts). She sang “Mes pluies”, a song she wrote two or three years ago to help her in a moment when things weren’t going well. She wants to show herself as a writer/composer/singer, and said that’s how she wants to make her mark. The song itself is sad, but in the end hopeful, and she sang it appropriately. Both the Emcee and Gregory stated that they were confident she will be a voice in the musical universe of the Quebec public, whatever happens here tonight. Gregory said that all his comrades felt they were very lucky to have been able to spend time with her these past weeks, her personality, who she is – a very special person.
Queenie Clement: She got a very good evaluation this past week, and the professors draw a heart on a sheet of paper for her. Another highlight was that she composed a song for Ariane (who said it was the first time that had ever happened). Queenie said she was right on her spot, she wanted to be the first black woman to reach the finals of the Star Academie [in Quebec]. She sang “I Am Changing” from Jennifer Hudson, a showy and yet complicated song musically. She said the lyrics indicated that there were difficulties in life which could be overcome by hard work and confidence in oneself. And she did a wonderful job with it, her (typical) powerful singing; the vocal gymnastics were impressive, although not necessarily the type that would draw the audience in. Ariane said that it left her breathless – and that Queenie had indeed changed during the course of the academy, in opening herself up.
Lunou Zucchini: She said that one of the best moments of the week for her was when everybody went to Lara’s for dinner – Lara had promised she would make a meal for them, showing them how she cooked it – and the togetherness it fostered. Lara told her she was so powerful as an interpreter/singer. Lunou sang “De la main gauche” of Danielle Messia, which she said was for all those who carry secrets for a long time and then decide to let them go, so as to feel lighter. Hers was a wonderful, powerful, emotional presentation. In response, Lara said that, as she had said during the week, Lunou’s an incredible singer, and this evening she saw “besides the performer it is the girl who spread out to seek for the meaning that she put in her heart to herself and that she delivered with humility of which you are capable, the grace of which you are capable. But above all the intensity of which you are capable. For me, you have the mark of the greats of this world.”
While I was impressed with the talents of both Rosalie and Queenie, to me Lunou was the winner – the most enjoyable (which is obviously a personal assessment), but also the most typical ‘variety’ of the performers (and this is, above all, a variety show). And the public chose: Lunou!
Several weeks ago, during the last of the prunings down to the final six, you may remember that both William and Lunou were ‘rescued’, and I suggested at the time that they might both be serious contenders for the final prize. It’s certainly turned out that way. In some sense they are very much alike, with a stage presence and connection to the audience in their performances, along with very good, mainstream voices. It also turned out to be symbolic that Lunou sang the chorus with William on his victory last week. They appear to be very good friends; too bad there has to be one winner. In the future, they should consider singing together at times.
As for the rest of the show, one odd occurrence was the performance of Francis Cabrel with the Academicians – he was there ‘virtually’, and hoped he would soon be able to be there ‘really’. This is a rare event for this program, although given the circumstances, one would have imagined it could have been more the rule than the exception.
Here's the article about the show from the Journal de Montreal (https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2021/04/25/star-academie-lunou-zucchini-est-la-finaliste-feminine-1):
------------------------------------------
Star Académie: Lunou Zucchini is the female finalist
The 2021 Star Académie final will pit William Cloutier and Lunou Zucchini against each other. The 25-year-old singer, from Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu, triumphed in the women's semifinals of the competition on Sunday at TVA, overtaking her comrades Rosalie Ayotte and Queenie Clément at the finish line.
Gregory Charles spoke of "three solid performances" offered by the candidates earlier in the evening, when revealing the identity of the female winner at the end of the show.
The jubilee, with tears in her eyes, struggled to find the words to thank the public, who voted for her, when she heard her name ring out. Even though, Lunou pointed out, she and her colleagues had received a lesson in the art of giving thanks earlier in the season!
Lunou and William will therefore face each other next Sunday, May 2, to win the title of grand winner of Star Académie 2021 . The recipient will walk away with a cash prize of $125,000 and a musical contract with Musicor, while the finalist will pocket $50,000.
Generous Marjo
The penultimate strain of the season was as eclectic and varied as it was packed. Between an explosive passage of the hyper generous Marjo, who has chained her timeless successes (Illégal with Lunou, Provocante with Queenie, Les chats sauvages with Rosalie and les Sœurs Boulay, Les yeux du cœur with William, and others still) and shouted good luck to each candidate at the end of the tracks, and a collage of virtual duets with Francis Cabrel (Petite Marie, Encore et encore, Te ressembler, Je l’aime a mourir...), we relived some great Oscar-winning songs from cinema with Alexandra Stréliski on the piano - while the high mass of the seventh art was being broadcast at the same time - including My Heart Will Go On and Skyfall (violin and cello in support), we feasted without restraint with Valaire and Qualité Motel, and the Boulay Sisters unveiled a new song, Antigone .
In honor of Marjo, the theme song Maintenant et partout was embodied in rock sauce at the opening of the show, and Quand j’aime une fois, j’aime pour toujours, by Richard Desjardins, was added to the pantheon of "Songs of the Nation”.
We even had a surprise visit from producer Jean-Philippe Dion and Quebecor President and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau, who announced good news with great fanfare: Star Académie will be back on air at TVA at the start of 2022!
Proud semi-finalists
But it was obviously the crowning of the female finalist that created the most expectations, each of the aspirants holding undeniable qualities that could have led her to the final. Although they admit that they would have liked to continue the Star Academie journey, for one last week, Rosalie and Queenie sported smiles that showed great pride, at the end of the variety.
"I'm really proud to have had the opportunity to do my compositions, because from the start, I've been saying that's what I want to do when I get out of here," Rosalie said. "The fact that I was able to leave while leaving this last trace makes me feel good. A lot of pressure has gone from our shoulders! And we know that we will have been part of all the varieties, because we will be back next week, but in the final, we will not have the same pressure."
What did our young ladies learn during this extraordinary stay in Waterloo?
“To go into each experience and demonstrate who you are as an artist,” said Queenie. If things don't work the way we want, don't let that prevent us from giving our maximum."
“What I learned the most was to be daring,” added Rosalie. To embark on styles that are not necessarily ours, it often results in super "cool" stuff. Before, I wouldn't have allowed myself to dance in public, for example, and now it's like I have all the tools to get started. "
While before Star Académie, Rosalie was finishing her CEGEP in music in Drummondville - she promises to resume her training eventually - Queenie worked as a surgical coordinator in an eye clinic. Of course, continuing to make music is part of their short and long term plans.
“I had already started writing an album,” said Queenie. I'm just waiting for the moment to do it. But I don't think I'll wait long!”
"We're going to get out of here with the working little flame," said Rosalie. "An experience like this really inspired me to write. I want to keep writing, release another album and play with different styles. Opening up to new horizons is really something that interests me!”
The songs performed by the candidates in danger are available on QUB musique and on all streaming and download platforms.
Lunou Zucchini (People's Choice)
Several guessed Lunou winning in advance in the early evening, and the bet turned out to be correct. The 2021 finalist spoke very little about her mom, Luce Dufault, throughout her Star Académie adventure, but for the semi-final, she committed herself to De la main gauche, a piece by Danielle Messia that Luce Dufault had recorded on her album Des milliards de choses,in 1998, and which still sticks to the skin. As usual, Lunou told us these words filled with meaning in her pure voice, as much as she sang them to us. Ariane Moffatt and Gregory Charles stood with enthusiasm, and Lara Fabian praised how Lunou had been able to seek the reason for these moving words, with grace, humility and intensity. The competition was strong, but Lunou did not steal her title.
Rosalie Ayotte (Dislodged)
Rosalie procrastinated as the gala approached, having initially planned to perform her composition, Mes plues, then setting her sights on L’amitié, by Françoise Hardy, before returning to her initial choice, Mes pluies, a text she wrote two years ago, during a difficult period. Even if the public did not catapult Rosalie in the final, her decision was happy, said Gregory Charles, after the performance of the latter, sincere and vulnerable as we know it. The singing teacher had however advised his student to bet on a composition for the semi-final, but he changed his mind after the number of the young woman, whose talent, voice and personality he praised. "In a few years, there will be a Rosalie in our musical universe," predicted Gregory, noting that he is eager to buy Rosalie Ayotte's debut album.
Queenie Clément (Dislodged)
Even if she had to leave on Sunday, she will have been dignified until the end, this Queenie as endearing as she is sensitive. The 29-year-old Montrealer, who is known to be capable of visiting all styles, has sailed on I Am Changing, a Broadway air originally played by Jennifer Holliday, for her ultimate endangerment. We would have liked to see Queenie having fun in a slightly more festive and light way, but the young woman was sovereign and opened her heart and guts to make us experience emotions. Ariane Moffatt had only good words for the student. "You are one of those who have seized every opportunity [...] Everything that has been given to you, you have made the best of it [...] You have an iron will! You are a great artist!” insisted the professor of musical creation.
-----------------------------
And, given the announcement mentioned above, here's an article about the future of the Star Academie in Quebec: (https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2021/04/25/star-academie-reviendra-lan-prochain-1):
----------------------------------------
"Star Académie" will return next year
Star Académie will return to TVA in winter 2022.
Pierre Karl Péladeau, president and CEO of Quebecor, made the announcement to the variety on Sunday, when the girls' semi-final was taking place, one week before the grand final.
"Faced with the great success of this edition, it is with enthusiasm that Star Académie, whose international distribution rights are held by Banijay Rights, is committed to continuing to promote local talent and youth", it was let known by TVA, Quebecor Content and Productions Déferlantes on Sunday.
“The last few months have allowed us to discover formidable songwriters and performers, who are the face of the rich musical and cultural diversity of Quebec today. Because there is nothing more beautiful than seeing people make their dreams come true, Star Académie will continue to illuminate them!”
Maintaining that Star Académie fits perfectly into its DNA, Quebecor explained that the program succeeded, this year, in reaching a large audience, everywhere in Quebec and on all its platforms, and offered an exceptional showcase for the influence of Quebecois culture, in particular thanks to the broadcasting of varieties and daily newspapers on TVA and TVA +, to exclusive direct access from the academy to Mobility and Hélix Télé customers of Vidéotron (including the Tout petit talk-show of Star Académie), to the lists of reading and performances by academics on QUB music, podcasts and interviews on QUB radio, reports on Star Académie in Le Journal de Montréal , Le Journal de Québec and TVA Publications magazines and the albums Les sessions de Waterloo (EP) and Star Académie 2021 published by Musicor.
Full details surrounding Star Académie's 2022 grand audition tour , which will be the seventh overall, will be announced in the coming weeks.
----------------------------------------------
Nothing specific about Lara in this announcement but the site www.facebook.com/lespotinsdunet had this statement: “Lara Fabian is expected to resume her role as director again in 2022.” It’s hard to believe they would want anyone other than her to be the director next year, and it would be equally hard to believe that she wouldn’t want to do it. Assuming she once again does take this role, if Lara can’t resume her world concert tour in June, don’t look for it to be resumed next winter.
Speaking of those concerts, and thus of COVID, active cases in France remain about as high as they’ve ever been during the course of the pandemic, with daily new cases almost as high; however, likely due to vaccinations, deaths have come way down (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/france/). Nursery and primary schools are reopening across France despite the spike in ICU admissions. Starting from next week, the ban on domestic travel will be lifted. The nighttime curfew, now in place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., will be maintained. President Macron said he is anticipating a better situation next month when a greater proportion of the population will be vaccinated and it is expected there will be a decrease in numbers of daily infections after the partial lockdown. France intends to gradually reopen nonessential shops, some of its cultural venues and cafe and restaurant terraces starting from mid-May. So there is a bit of hope for June!
In more Star Academie news, Lara left the following picture on her FB site,
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=324370709047229&set=a.259330805551220
with the caption, “My little hearts album is out today with a special magazine! Star Académie TVA”
And she provides the link for these items, www.jemagazine.ca/pages/star-academie. For ~$20 Canadian, one receives, in addition to the album, a special edition of “7 Jours” concerning the inside of the Academie, an article on the recording of the album, a poster, and souvenir photos. It also includes a statement about herself Lara wrote, which is referred to on the picture above. It is copied in the link above, and reads:
------------------------------
"I retain above all the human commitment "
Lara Fabian has been a full manager who has never shied away from telling candidates the real stuff. She has also been a guide, teacher and confidante for Academicians. “What I remember from their contact is the human commitment that it triggered in me, this desire to give them everything I could in all spheres of my knowledge. I knew it was my place to pass on, but the title of director is just a title, and it doesn't really tell the story of what I did. I believe that I am the human that I promised myself to be and I try to be also the most honest so that, for them, the experience by my side is worth the candle. I will particularly remember from the candidates that their hearts are plugged in the right place and the ability to be interdependent, to link up with each other to help each other ”, said the one who admits to having learned about herself through this adventure. “I was able to learn about my ability to give myself entirely as a teacher, I also learned that my power to move was even greater than I initially thought, which I thought was impossible, but I am touched by them. There is a part of me that recognizes itself in them and that would like so much never to lack kindness. I believe my tears have often taken their meaning in their candor, but also in my desire to be as benevolent and transparent as possible. I also learned a lot from these 15 candidates, every second of my sharing with them.”
Lara Fabian
Director of Star Académie
-----------------------------
What will Lara do after the show is finished next week? In addition to hopefully getting ready for the June concerts, she indicated in an article in ‘7 Jours’ that she will start recording a new album. Here’s the translation:
-------------------------------
After Star Académie, Lara Fabian will devote herself to writing a new album
It was the day after her magical performance with the Academicians, Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Metropolitan Orchestra that we were able to talk to Lara Fabian who, two weeks before the grand finale, is delighted with her experience as director of Star Academy.
Lara, your performance with the Metropolitan Orchestra was so impressive! Is it in the plans to do a whole show with them?
LF: Several people tell me that from the Variety. I would love that for sure. Yannick Nézet-Séguin and I will talk about it soon. I do not exclude this idea because it was great to be able to sing with this orchestra and the Academicians. Is it possible to put on a show with the Metropolitan Orchestra? Let’s launch this hope together. Nothing is impossible.
What do you remember from your performance?
LF: It has been a blessing to do that: it will stay with me for a very long time. I remember that, during this period of transition of humanity which is difficult to live, there are still small spaces for which the stars are aligned. And we can continue to live moments like this precisely to bring people to life with great emotions. I went to bed that night thanking Heaven for being able to do this. We are two weeks away from the grand final, there are only four candidates left ...
How do you experience the departures week after week?
LF: It's very strange, because a part of us has to let them go since it's time. We tell ourselves that they had the opportunity to learn and accumulate a lot of things. But a part of us also wants to retain them because each of them has a real place as an artist. It really is a dilemma. It is certain that I would have continued a little longer with each of them to share even more with them.
Your mandate as director is coming to an end. What memories will you keep of this experience?
LF: I learned that it is possible to receive a lot more when you are in the absolute gift than when you expect something from this profession for yourself. Our job is sometimes marked by egocentricity, because during a large part of our career, the light is often shed on ourselves. We think of our repertoire, of our success. But I see that, in all of this, there is a lot of loss of meaning and that the day we connect with others, it brings a whole new dimension, a whole new meaning to life. It is the real nourishment of the soul and the heart.
What will you do after the Star Académie final on May 2?
LF: As soon as Star Académie ends, I will enter a period of composing an album and I must also resume shows.
What can we expect from this new album?
LF: A return to the essentials, which will be much closer to the songs we heard last night than to those I have been able to do on record in recent years.
You paid a vibrant tribute to Michel Louvain during the Variété. What do you remember from this man?
LF: So many things! Especially when I started out, I made so many appearances on his shows, such as De Bonne Humeur. It was he and Jean-Pierre Coallier who offered me my first chance. They welcomed me even when I was not yet well known. Meeting Monsieur Louvain was important in my career. He is a man who, humanly, was unanimous.
In closing, what will you take away from this year's candidates?
LF: Apart from their incredible talent, I will retain the quality of human beings. They are wonderful humans.
--------------------------------------
Lara’s view of what her next album should be like was clearly a response to the fact that the songs that received the great reception from her singing with the Academicians were mainly her intense ballads, all written 20 years ago. She certainly had plenty of opportunity to learn that on her concert tours, where they were always the ones that received the most enthusiastic response. No one had stopped her from doing more of those; it was her own decision to be ‘more modern’ and transition in her last albums to electro-pop, which, while good, did not have the same impact (and were thus largely absent from the World Tour). Of course, those older great songs were all written with Rick Allison (who is still alive and living in Quebec!). Lara also has always benefited from the few times she had her songs done with an orchestra behind her, so let’s hope something can be worked out in that regard as well.
As was noted by Lunou, one of the events this week was Lara cooking and feeding the Academicians at her house. Two short videos of that can be seen, first going to Lara’s house:
www.facebook.com/JeanPhilippeDionOfficiel/videos/136696698418641
and then the actual cooking and tasting:
www.facebook.com/staracademietva/videos/141478767935503
Interesting photo(s) of the week: Lara with a ‘60s phone,
www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=326459808838319&set=pcb.326460088838291
with the caption, “A little phone call in the ‘60 s [mode] before the variety of Star Académie TVA #NationStarAc 📸 @bertexertier
Then Lara with another ‘white implement’ in her hand,
and the caption, “I wake up and quietly prepare for a new day at @staracademietva
Beauty ritual with my favorite products @kerastase_official and my #steampod ✌️😝✌️💋 ♥ ️ I wish you a beautiful week .... and I kiss you very hard ❤️ ♥ ️”
And finally, Lara with Pierre Yves Duschesne,
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=143473271118473&set=a.128472342618566
and the caption, “Fifteen years of #work #respect #friendship I love you, my singer. I can't wait for us to realize our beautiful projects very soon #surprise #verysoon #quebec #❤❤❤ @larafabianofficial”
You may remember that one of their projects was supposed to be opening up schools in Belgium and Quebec to teach the singing profession. Lara had already agreed to the Belgian school before the Star Academie came along, and there was the implication that Lara's activities on the show had replaced the Quebec school. This latest announcement seems to indicate that a “Quebec-surprise” might be in the offing for that one as well.
Lara will have very select company this coming week – just the remaining two Academicians. One can see what is now possible in the following video from yesterday’s “daily” show:
www.facebook.com/JeanPhilippeDionOfficiel/videos/320275229514327
and its caption, “An unusual end of the evening: pajama party at the Academy! 🍾
We celebrate with our 2 finalists and it's party time for our dear Ariane Moffatt 🎉”
She and the other teachers will thus have a lot of opportunity to get in their last words of wisdom before they all scatter to the winds. It looks like she’s already fully savoring the time - good suggestion for all of us
.
David
In the next to last show of the Star Academie 2021, this was the women’s semi-final. During the week, Lara had left a picture on her Instagram account
http://instagram.com/p/COBfE37hvWA
with the caption, “In rehearsal for the semi-final at Mels with my daughters: Rosalie Queenie and Lunou.... working with my beautiful Marie-Eve Riverin 💝🍎”
The three contestants were as different as they could be: Rosalie, the poet/intellectual of the group; Queenie, the determined, powerful one; and Lunou, the sweet, entertainer. And they lived up to their individual characteristics, as the men had done.
Lara started the proceedings telling the contestants to ‘abandon themselves’ to the public, for they are the ones who will determine their fate, not only here but in their careers. A wise counsel…
Here’s what happened:
Rosalie Ayotte: she was supposed to sing “L’amitie” of Francois Hardy, but she then felt it wasn’t what she needed to do. She then switched to one of her own compositions (which certainly better represents who she is as a person in the arts). She sang “Mes pluies”, a song she wrote two or three years ago to help her in a moment when things weren’t going well. She wants to show herself as a writer/composer/singer, and said that’s how she wants to make her mark. The song itself is sad, but in the end hopeful, and she sang it appropriately. Both the Emcee and Gregory stated that they were confident she will be a voice in the musical universe of the Quebec public, whatever happens here tonight. Gregory said that all his comrades felt they were very lucky to have been able to spend time with her these past weeks, her personality, who she is – a very special person.
Queenie Clement: She got a very good evaluation this past week, and the professors draw a heart on a sheet of paper for her. Another highlight was that she composed a song for Ariane (who said it was the first time that had ever happened). Queenie said she was right on her spot, she wanted to be the first black woman to reach the finals of the Star Academie [in Quebec]. She sang “I Am Changing” from Jennifer Hudson, a showy and yet complicated song musically. She said the lyrics indicated that there were difficulties in life which could be overcome by hard work and confidence in oneself. And she did a wonderful job with it, her (typical) powerful singing; the vocal gymnastics were impressive, although not necessarily the type that would draw the audience in. Ariane said that it left her breathless – and that Queenie had indeed changed during the course of the academy, in opening herself up.
Lunou Zucchini: She said that one of the best moments of the week for her was when everybody went to Lara’s for dinner – Lara had promised she would make a meal for them, showing them how she cooked it – and the togetherness it fostered. Lara told her she was so powerful as an interpreter/singer. Lunou sang “De la main gauche” of Danielle Messia, which she said was for all those who carry secrets for a long time and then decide to let them go, so as to feel lighter. Hers was a wonderful, powerful, emotional presentation. In response, Lara said that, as she had said during the week, Lunou’s an incredible singer, and this evening she saw “besides the performer it is the girl who spread out to seek for the meaning that she put in her heart to herself and that she delivered with humility of which you are capable, the grace of which you are capable. But above all the intensity of which you are capable. For me, you have the mark of the greats of this world.”
While I was impressed with the talents of both Rosalie and Queenie, to me Lunou was the winner – the most enjoyable (which is obviously a personal assessment), but also the most typical ‘variety’ of the performers (and this is, above all, a variety show). And the public chose: Lunou!
Several weeks ago, during the last of the prunings down to the final six, you may remember that both William and Lunou were ‘rescued’, and I suggested at the time that they might both be serious contenders for the final prize. It’s certainly turned out that way. In some sense they are very much alike, with a stage presence and connection to the audience in their performances, along with very good, mainstream voices. It also turned out to be symbolic that Lunou sang the chorus with William on his victory last week. They appear to be very good friends; too bad there has to be one winner. In the future, they should consider singing together at times.
As for the rest of the show, one odd occurrence was the performance of Francis Cabrel with the Academicians – he was there ‘virtually’, and hoped he would soon be able to be there ‘really’. This is a rare event for this program, although given the circumstances, one would have imagined it could have been more the rule than the exception.
Here's the article about the show from the Journal de Montreal (https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2021/04/25/star-academie-lunou-zucchini-est-la-finaliste-feminine-1):
------------------------------------------
Star Académie: Lunou Zucchini is the female finalist
The 2021 Star Académie final will pit William Cloutier and Lunou Zucchini against each other. The 25-year-old singer, from Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu, triumphed in the women's semifinals of the competition on Sunday at TVA, overtaking her comrades Rosalie Ayotte and Queenie Clément at the finish line.
Gregory Charles spoke of "three solid performances" offered by the candidates earlier in the evening, when revealing the identity of the female winner at the end of the show.
The jubilee, with tears in her eyes, struggled to find the words to thank the public, who voted for her, when she heard her name ring out. Even though, Lunou pointed out, she and her colleagues had received a lesson in the art of giving thanks earlier in the season!
Lunou and William will therefore face each other next Sunday, May 2, to win the title of grand winner of Star Académie 2021 . The recipient will walk away with a cash prize of $125,000 and a musical contract with Musicor, while the finalist will pocket $50,000.
Generous Marjo
The penultimate strain of the season was as eclectic and varied as it was packed. Between an explosive passage of the hyper generous Marjo, who has chained her timeless successes (Illégal with Lunou, Provocante with Queenie, Les chats sauvages with Rosalie and les Sœurs Boulay, Les yeux du cœur with William, and others still) and shouted good luck to each candidate at the end of the tracks, and a collage of virtual duets with Francis Cabrel (Petite Marie, Encore et encore, Te ressembler, Je l’aime a mourir...), we relived some great Oscar-winning songs from cinema with Alexandra Stréliski on the piano - while the high mass of the seventh art was being broadcast at the same time - including My Heart Will Go On and Skyfall (violin and cello in support), we feasted without restraint with Valaire and Qualité Motel, and the Boulay Sisters unveiled a new song, Antigone .
In honor of Marjo, the theme song Maintenant et partout was embodied in rock sauce at the opening of the show, and Quand j’aime une fois, j’aime pour toujours, by Richard Desjardins, was added to the pantheon of "Songs of the Nation”.
We even had a surprise visit from producer Jean-Philippe Dion and Quebecor President and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau, who announced good news with great fanfare: Star Académie will be back on air at TVA at the start of 2022!
Proud semi-finalists
But it was obviously the crowning of the female finalist that created the most expectations, each of the aspirants holding undeniable qualities that could have led her to the final. Although they admit that they would have liked to continue the Star Academie journey, for one last week, Rosalie and Queenie sported smiles that showed great pride, at the end of the variety.
"I'm really proud to have had the opportunity to do my compositions, because from the start, I've been saying that's what I want to do when I get out of here," Rosalie said. "The fact that I was able to leave while leaving this last trace makes me feel good. A lot of pressure has gone from our shoulders! And we know that we will have been part of all the varieties, because we will be back next week, but in the final, we will not have the same pressure."
What did our young ladies learn during this extraordinary stay in Waterloo?
“To go into each experience and demonstrate who you are as an artist,” said Queenie. If things don't work the way we want, don't let that prevent us from giving our maximum."
“What I learned the most was to be daring,” added Rosalie. To embark on styles that are not necessarily ours, it often results in super "cool" stuff. Before, I wouldn't have allowed myself to dance in public, for example, and now it's like I have all the tools to get started. "
While before Star Académie, Rosalie was finishing her CEGEP in music in Drummondville - she promises to resume her training eventually - Queenie worked as a surgical coordinator in an eye clinic. Of course, continuing to make music is part of their short and long term plans.
“I had already started writing an album,” said Queenie. I'm just waiting for the moment to do it. But I don't think I'll wait long!”
"We're going to get out of here with the working little flame," said Rosalie. "An experience like this really inspired me to write. I want to keep writing, release another album and play with different styles. Opening up to new horizons is really something that interests me!”
The songs performed by the candidates in danger are available on QUB musique and on all streaming and download platforms.
Lunou Zucchini (People's Choice)
Several guessed Lunou winning in advance in the early evening, and the bet turned out to be correct. The 2021 finalist spoke very little about her mom, Luce Dufault, throughout her Star Académie adventure, but for the semi-final, she committed herself to De la main gauche, a piece by Danielle Messia that Luce Dufault had recorded on her album Des milliards de choses,in 1998, and which still sticks to the skin. As usual, Lunou told us these words filled with meaning in her pure voice, as much as she sang them to us. Ariane Moffatt and Gregory Charles stood with enthusiasm, and Lara Fabian praised how Lunou had been able to seek the reason for these moving words, with grace, humility and intensity. The competition was strong, but Lunou did not steal her title.
Rosalie Ayotte (Dislodged)
Rosalie procrastinated as the gala approached, having initially planned to perform her composition, Mes plues, then setting her sights on L’amitié, by Françoise Hardy, before returning to her initial choice, Mes pluies, a text she wrote two years ago, during a difficult period. Even if the public did not catapult Rosalie in the final, her decision was happy, said Gregory Charles, after the performance of the latter, sincere and vulnerable as we know it. The singing teacher had however advised his student to bet on a composition for the semi-final, but he changed his mind after the number of the young woman, whose talent, voice and personality he praised. "In a few years, there will be a Rosalie in our musical universe," predicted Gregory, noting that he is eager to buy Rosalie Ayotte's debut album.
Queenie Clément (Dislodged)
Even if she had to leave on Sunday, she will have been dignified until the end, this Queenie as endearing as she is sensitive. The 29-year-old Montrealer, who is known to be capable of visiting all styles, has sailed on I Am Changing, a Broadway air originally played by Jennifer Holliday, for her ultimate endangerment. We would have liked to see Queenie having fun in a slightly more festive and light way, but the young woman was sovereign and opened her heart and guts to make us experience emotions. Ariane Moffatt had only good words for the student. "You are one of those who have seized every opportunity [...] Everything that has been given to you, you have made the best of it [...] You have an iron will! You are a great artist!” insisted the professor of musical creation.
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And, given the announcement mentioned above, here's an article about the future of the Star Academie in Quebec: (https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2021/04/25/star-academie-reviendra-lan-prochain-1):
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"Star Académie" will return next year
Star Académie will return to TVA in winter 2022.
Pierre Karl Péladeau, president and CEO of Quebecor, made the announcement to the variety on Sunday, when the girls' semi-final was taking place, one week before the grand final.
"Faced with the great success of this edition, it is with enthusiasm that Star Académie, whose international distribution rights are held by Banijay Rights, is committed to continuing to promote local talent and youth", it was let known by TVA, Quebecor Content and Productions Déferlantes on Sunday.
“The last few months have allowed us to discover formidable songwriters and performers, who are the face of the rich musical and cultural diversity of Quebec today. Because there is nothing more beautiful than seeing people make their dreams come true, Star Académie will continue to illuminate them!”
Maintaining that Star Académie fits perfectly into its DNA, Quebecor explained that the program succeeded, this year, in reaching a large audience, everywhere in Quebec and on all its platforms, and offered an exceptional showcase for the influence of Quebecois culture, in particular thanks to the broadcasting of varieties and daily newspapers on TVA and TVA +, to exclusive direct access from the academy to Mobility and Hélix Télé customers of Vidéotron (including the Tout petit talk-show of Star Académie), to the lists of reading and performances by academics on QUB music, podcasts and interviews on QUB radio, reports on Star Académie in Le Journal de Montréal , Le Journal de Québec and TVA Publications magazines and the albums Les sessions de Waterloo (EP) and Star Académie 2021 published by Musicor.
Full details surrounding Star Académie's 2022 grand audition tour , which will be the seventh overall, will be announced in the coming weeks.
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Nothing specific about Lara in this announcement but the site www.facebook.com/lespotinsdunet had this statement: “Lara Fabian is expected to resume her role as director again in 2022.” It’s hard to believe they would want anyone other than her to be the director next year, and it would be equally hard to believe that she wouldn’t want to do it. Assuming she once again does take this role, if Lara can’t resume her world concert tour in June, don’t look for it to be resumed next winter.
Speaking of those concerts, and thus of COVID, active cases in France remain about as high as they’ve ever been during the course of the pandemic, with daily new cases almost as high; however, likely due to vaccinations, deaths have come way down (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/france/). Nursery and primary schools are reopening across France despite the spike in ICU admissions. Starting from next week, the ban on domestic travel will be lifted. The nighttime curfew, now in place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., will be maintained. President Macron said he is anticipating a better situation next month when a greater proportion of the population will be vaccinated and it is expected there will be a decrease in numbers of daily infections after the partial lockdown. France intends to gradually reopen nonessential shops, some of its cultural venues and cafe and restaurant terraces starting from mid-May. So there is a bit of hope for June!
In more Star Academie news, Lara left the following picture on her FB site,
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=324370709047229&set=a.259330805551220
with the caption, “My little hearts album is out today with a special magazine! Star Académie TVA”
And she provides the link for these items, www.jemagazine.ca/pages/star-academie. For ~$20 Canadian, one receives, in addition to the album, a special edition of “7 Jours” concerning the inside of the Academie, an article on the recording of the album, a poster, and souvenir photos. It also includes a statement about herself Lara wrote, which is referred to on the picture above. It is copied in the link above, and reads:
------------------------------
"I retain above all the human commitment "
Lara Fabian has been a full manager who has never shied away from telling candidates the real stuff. She has also been a guide, teacher and confidante for Academicians. “What I remember from their contact is the human commitment that it triggered in me, this desire to give them everything I could in all spheres of my knowledge. I knew it was my place to pass on, but the title of director is just a title, and it doesn't really tell the story of what I did. I believe that I am the human that I promised myself to be and I try to be also the most honest so that, for them, the experience by my side is worth the candle. I will particularly remember from the candidates that their hearts are plugged in the right place and the ability to be interdependent, to link up with each other to help each other ”, said the one who admits to having learned about herself through this adventure. “I was able to learn about my ability to give myself entirely as a teacher, I also learned that my power to move was even greater than I initially thought, which I thought was impossible, but I am touched by them. There is a part of me that recognizes itself in them and that would like so much never to lack kindness. I believe my tears have often taken their meaning in their candor, but also in my desire to be as benevolent and transparent as possible. I also learned a lot from these 15 candidates, every second of my sharing with them.”
Lara Fabian
Director of Star Académie
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What will Lara do after the show is finished next week? In addition to hopefully getting ready for the June concerts, she indicated in an article in ‘7 Jours’ that she will start recording a new album. Here’s the translation:
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After Star Académie, Lara Fabian will devote herself to writing a new album
It was the day after her magical performance with the Academicians, Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Metropolitan Orchestra that we were able to talk to Lara Fabian who, two weeks before the grand finale, is delighted with her experience as director of Star Academy.
Lara, your performance with the Metropolitan Orchestra was so impressive! Is it in the plans to do a whole show with them?
LF: Several people tell me that from the Variety. I would love that for sure. Yannick Nézet-Séguin and I will talk about it soon. I do not exclude this idea because it was great to be able to sing with this orchestra and the Academicians. Is it possible to put on a show with the Metropolitan Orchestra? Let’s launch this hope together. Nothing is impossible.
What do you remember from your performance?
LF: It has been a blessing to do that: it will stay with me for a very long time. I remember that, during this period of transition of humanity which is difficult to live, there are still small spaces for which the stars are aligned. And we can continue to live moments like this precisely to bring people to life with great emotions. I went to bed that night thanking Heaven for being able to do this. We are two weeks away from the grand final, there are only four candidates left ...
How do you experience the departures week after week?
LF: It's very strange, because a part of us has to let them go since it's time. We tell ourselves that they had the opportunity to learn and accumulate a lot of things. But a part of us also wants to retain them because each of them has a real place as an artist. It really is a dilemma. It is certain that I would have continued a little longer with each of them to share even more with them.
Your mandate as director is coming to an end. What memories will you keep of this experience?
LF: I learned that it is possible to receive a lot more when you are in the absolute gift than when you expect something from this profession for yourself. Our job is sometimes marked by egocentricity, because during a large part of our career, the light is often shed on ourselves. We think of our repertoire, of our success. But I see that, in all of this, there is a lot of loss of meaning and that the day we connect with others, it brings a whole new dimension, a whole new meaning to life. It is the real nourishment of the soul and the heart.
What will you do after the Star Académie final on May 2?
LF: As soon as Star Académie ends, I will enter a period of composing an album and I must also resume shows.
What can we expect from this new album?
LF: A return to the essentials, which will be much closer to the songs we heard last night than to those I have been able to do on record in recent years.
You paid a vibrant tribute to Michel Louvain during the Variété. What do you remember from this man?
LF: So many things! Especially when I started out, I made so many appearances on his shows, such as De Bonne Humeur. It was he and Jean-Pierre Coallier who offered me my first chance. They welcomed me even when I was not yet well known. Meeting Monsieur Louvain was important in my career. He is a man who, humanly, was unanimous.
In closing, what will you take away from this year's candidates?
LF: Apart from their incredible talent, I will retain the quality of human beings. They are wonderful humans.
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Lara’s view of what her next album should be like was clearly a response to the fact that the songs that received the great reception from her singing with the Academicians were mainly her intense ballads, all written 20 years ago. She certainly had plenty of opportunity to learn that on her concert tours, where they were always the ones that received the most enthusiastic response. No one had stopped her from doing more of those; it was her own decision to be ‘more modern’ and transition in her last albums to electro-pop, which, while good, did not have the same impact (and were thus largely absent from the World Tour). Of course, those older great songs were all written with Rick Allison (who is still alive and living in Quebec!). Lara also has always benefited from the few times she had her songs done with an orchestra behind her, so let’s hope something can be worked out in that regard as well.
As was noted by Lunou, one of the events this week was Lara cooking and feeding the Academicians at her house. Two short videos of that can be seen, first going to Lara’s house:
www.facebook.com/JeanPhilippeDionOfficiel/videos/136696698418641
and then the actual cooking and tasting:
www.facebook.com/staracademietva/videos/141478767935503
Interesting photo(s) of the week: Lara with a ‘60s phone,
www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=326459808838319&set=pcb.326460088838291
with the caption, “A little phone call in the ‘60 s [mode] before the variety of Star Académie TVA #NationStarAc 📸 @bertexertier
Then Lara with another ‘white implement’ in her hand,
http://instagram.com/p/COIRva3hF5t
and the caption, “I wake up and quietly prepare for a new day at @staracademietva
Beauty ritual with my favorite products @kerastase_official and my #steampod ✌️😝✌️💋 ♥ ️ I wish you a beautiful week .... and I kiss you very hard ❤️ ♥ ️”
And finally, Lara with Pierre Yves Duschesne,
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=143473271118473&set=a.128472342618566
and the caption, “Fifteen years of #work #respect #friendship I love you, my singer. I can't wait for us to realize our beautiful projects very soon #surprise #verysoon #quebec #❤❤❤ @larafabianofficial”
You may remember that one of their projects was supposed to be opening up schools in Belgium and Quebec to teach the singing profession. Lara had already agreed to the Belgian school before the Star Academie came along, and there was the implication that Lara's activities on the show had replaced the Quebec school. This latest announcement seems to indicate that a “Quebec-surprise” might be in the offing for that one as well.
Lara will have very select company this coming week – just the remaining two Academicians. One can see what is now possible in the following video from yesterday’s “daily” show:
www.facebook.com/JeanPhilippeDionOfficiel/videos/320275229514327
and its caption, “An unusual end of the evening: pajama party at the Academy! 🍾
We celebrate with our 2 finalists and it's party time for our dear Ariane Moffatt 🎉”
She and the other teachers will thus have a lot of opportunity to get in their last words of wisdom before they all scatter to the winds. It looks like she’s already fully savoring the time - good suggestion for all of us
.David
